The penalty of death in games (part 2)

Let's first examine why a death penalty has to be present in a game at all. Why not just let the player restart where he left off, with zero repercussions? Without some kind of penalty for death, players will feel that the game is far too easy and are very unlikely to feel that they accomplished anything when they eventually manage to solve the game. They will also play with complete abandon, behaving recklessly and carelessly. It will seem as though anyone could succeed without skill, if simply devoting the time to go through the game. Penalties increase the challenge and the sense of accomplishment. Yet some penalties can be too harsh and can deter a player from continuing to play at all. The choices a developer makes regarding game death penalties really revolve around the target audience. If the developers are only targeting the “hardcore” gamers—those that will try to solve the game relentlessly regardless of penalties—the developers may limit the overall appeal of the game to a smaller audience. But, if the developers make a game too easy with minor or no penalties, gamers that like a challenge will give the game a pass.